Barrie declares state of emergency over homeless encampments

Barrie, Ontario, is facing a crisis as its mayor declares a state of emergency, grappling with a surge in homeless encampments that have taken root across the city in recent years.

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Barrie, Ontario, is facing a crisis as its mayor declares a state of emergency, grappling with a surge in homeless encampments that have taken root across the city in recent years.

“Barrie residents have had enough,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall during a press conference on Tuesday. “The City of Barrie is immediately instituting a state of emergency to reclaim our streets, our boulevards, our parks, our schools, our feeling of safety and our order.”

According to Nuttal, the order intends to “address the problem from the ground up.”

The mayor noted the city is willing to support those seeking help but will no longer allow encampments on public property.

Nearly two dozen encampments are active across the city, some in public parks, playgrounds and along waterways.

Earlier this summer, a double homicide and dismemberment occurred at one of the city’s largest encampments. Police forcefully broke up the encampment, costing the city millions to clean up due to hazardous waste left behind.

City water testing also revealed E. coli levels to be five times higher than previously when swimming was banned in Dyment’s Creek, where another encampment is located.

Nuttall notified the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit about the site, but no action was taken.

Additionally, these encampments have seen several fires requiring emergency responses, along with overdoses, thefts, and assaults.

“Since day one I have been clear that encampments are not acceptable in the City of Barrie. We are here to help those who want help and there are resources available today. If you refuse that help you cannot stay in these encampments,” said Nuttall.

“Our city will not allow lawlessness to take over our community. Barrie will protect its residents, its neighborhoods and its public spaces. It is time to take responsibility, accept the help that is there or move on.”

Nuttall’s declaration will allow city staff to carry out Barrie’s encampment protocols more aggressively, such as dismantling high-risk sites.

It will also allow them to hire outside contractors to help expedite cleanup.

Additionally, Nuttall is urging the County of Simcoe to expand access to shelter spaces and support services, and asking the province to review funding for Barrie’s social programs.

Nuttall also stressed how the encampment issue has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The number of individuals living unhoused and/or in encampments has significantly increased in the City of Barrie since the COVID-19 pandemic. Not all these individuals are originally from the City of Barrie; several individuals have come from other municipalities to Barrie streets and/or encampment locations,” he said.

“Barrie is a place you come if you need and you want help. It is not the place you come and put a tent on the side of the road, use drugs, carry crossbows and pistols, and set up shop as a drug dealer. If you don’t want help and that’s not your thing, please go somewhere else.”